Feast Saints Fabian, Sebastián and Cyprian.

The martyrs shed their blood for the Lamb of God. We glorify Jesus Christ when we honor them, especially on their feast days.

"Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.

"He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons:

"He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him." (Mark 3: 13 - 19).

Friday 20th January 2023 in the 2nd Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Pope St Fabian (+ 250). Italian.
* Fabian divided the diocese of Rome into seven diaconates. This facilitated aid to the poor. He suffered martyrdom under Emperor Decius.

* St Sebastian (+ 288). Italian from Milan. Officer in the Imperial Guard under Emperor Diocletian. Martyred when he converted to Christianity.

* Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi (1903 - 1964). Nigerian. Trappist monk and priest. Beatified in Nigeria by Pope St John Paul II in 1998.

Why do we honor the saints? Jesus is glorified when we honor His saints. Their intercession is powerful.

Our Gospel today from Mark 3: 13 - 19 deals with one theme: the Choice, the Call and the Anointing of the Twelve to be close friends and companions of Jesus Christ. Jesus sent them out as Apostles to continue His ministry until He returns. In the representing of this Gospel today, Jesus is renewing His call to you and me. The Original Twelve are dead. The Gospel still needs to be proclaimed.

Lord Jesus, I have heard Your Call. Grant me the grace to respond generously. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com